I received this bareroot and Im puzzled as to how to plant . In other pics I have seen of bareroot crown does not look quite like what I have . This one appears to have growths out of what I thought was the crown. Need info ASAP,,, thanks.

There aren't any roots. The roots may have rotted off in storage. I would try to contact the company you got them from to get a replacement this spring. If you show them those pictures, they'll probably come to the same conclusion as me and send you new ones. If they think those will grow, have them advise you how to do it. I just don't see things turning out well with that much vegetative growth and no roots starting yet.

If that isn't an option, I'd plant them in a pot with a very loose mixture that was mainly compost and vermiculite, or something similar. Have the two pink buds on the very top above the soil line, and have everything else loosely buried. If you baby them along, maybe they'll grow roots. I'd even consider dipping the base in rooting hormone. I don't think they'll survive as they are planted out in garden soil.

Thanks, I will see what I can do.

This is the Bartzella that I have just obtained from Costco.
It does not have much in the way of feeder roots.
Because the feeder roots are scarce......it may dry out if not watered frequently
Or kept in moist soil.
Feeder roots are formed at lower temperatures below 11'C
This why we usually plant in the fall .
I am debating whether to plant in a pot or in the ground right now.
Either requires that I be diligent about keeping it moist over the summer.
In a container.....I can move it to cooler garden areas when the heat comes.

I have never thought of using roots hormones on peonies.....
But perhaps that is an idea?

Jessie251 said:I received this bareroot and Im puzzled as to how to plant . In other pics I have seen of bareroot crown does not look quite like what I have . This one appears to have growths out of what I thought was the crown. Need info ASAP,,, thanks.

That is not a proper root. It is a piece of the crown. It may produce roots if you plant it but not a guarantee. With this type of crown, it will take at least 3-4 years before you will see a flower. If this is cheap and you have no way to return it, you can plant it now in a shady but well drained spot as a temporary planting site. During the summer, I would prepare a proper permanent planting hole for it. Then I would dig up the root and replant it in its permanent home in early Sept.

Caroline, I would plant your root as written above as well.

Thanks everyone for your thoughts and advice. I have a proper planting hole ready , but for this root I believe the best option as mentioned is to move this root into a large pot for now and then plant it in its permanent spot later this year. I also have a scarlet heaven coming and will see what kind of root feeders it has. If it has good feeder roots would you consider planting it in the hole I have aready dug or possibly keeping it in the fridge till sept?

I would not recommend that you plant your root in a pot. It is very difficult to get it water right when it is in a pot. You can easily over water or under water it. The most unfriendly environment for a peony root is wet and very hot. This will quickly cause the root to rot. Anyway if you still decide to plant it in a pot, make sure you put it in a shady place where the pot does not get direct sunlight. It can get hot very fast in the pot and the root will surely suffer.

OK changed my mind again have decided to store this root in the fridge till fall it is in moist coco-coir. When I receive my scarlet heaven even if it has roots do you suggest waiting till fall to place it in its permanent home?

Jessie - I strongly suggest you plant it somewhere- I agree with Karen but a pot is better than a home fridge. Companies that store peonies have coolers that maintain specific temp and humidity - which your fridge cannot.

Caroline - keeping the tuber damp is OK but while it has no leaves it cannot utilize moisture so will just rot. I would just plant it in the ground - well drained - where you intend it to spend the rest of its life You can always protect it there with moveable shade or even a cover if it gets too wet.

I have had good luck growing crown chips and other rootless pieces in potting soil placed in fabric grow bags. The grow bags don't hold on to moisture so instead of overwatering, you just have to start and maintain a 4-day watering cycle (maybe 3 days when it really gets hot). In the summer months, I move my bagged peonies onto the porch where they enjoy some shade.

If you do this, you might try to keep the tips of the stems at or very near the surface. Use a 3 gallon grow bag if you have or can get one.

And for what it's worth, that piece in the first photos looks particularly viable. But you're going to spend at least an extra year getting it nursed into something that can survive out in the soil.

I have a number of 2-year or 3-year projects One of them was a piece of crown that looked about like a silver-dollar and it actually seems to be doing well. I've also planted quite a few eyeless roots just to test growing adventitious roots. Anyhow, the point of mentioning it is that things do end-up working out, it is just a matter of time and effort.

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There always a chance if the thing is growing. I would certainly plant it in moist (BUT NOT WET ) soil an inch or 1 1/2 to the surface with no more than 3 hours of sun. Pampering it ( soil whould not be dry or wet ) and see how it works out in summer. No pots for a newbie. And no refrigerators as well.

Thanks everyone for your very helpful comments and tips. Will do my best.

Grow bags are the best things for peonies outside being planted in the ground! I am so happy with the performance I'm getting from mine in AL!

LizinElizabeth: Newbie here do you place the grow bags in the ground?? Is that to control the growing medium in otherwise poor soil? Thank you!

No, I'm planting them in the ground as new beds get made. They're in holding mode in AL, grow bags under shade cloth with weeper hoses on timers for the summer. Hoping to have enough new beds created this fall to empty out at least 2 of 4 holding areas but with all of the new ones I've ordered I doubt if I get that many planted.

One of four holding areas!